Kerr Dam Fun Daze

Directions to Henderson Point at Kerr Dam Recreation Area:
Take 95 south to Petersburg. At exit 51, pick up 85 south. Cross the VA-NC line and continue another 20 miles to exit 214 (Henderson). Turn right onto state road 39 north. (Do not yield to the temptation to take other exits marked for Kerr.) Continue north on 39 for about 14 miles, passing through Williamsboro and Townsville. These towns are your last chance to buy supplies. There are no stores or food within the Kerr Lake area. Turn right onto Rock Spring Church Road, which is state road 1356. You will immediately see the church. Go about 4 miles. At Rev. Henderson Road, which is state road 1359, turn right and go about 1 mile to Henderson Point.

Directions to Group Campsite:
After you pass the entry gatehouse, turn right. The group campsite is a short distance on your left. If you get to the dump station, you have gone too far.

By water: the group campsite is west of marker D.

Directions to Boat Launch:
Go past the group campsite and Area 1 public campsites. Boat launch is on your left. Most people launch their boats, sail them to the campsite, and then leave them beached at the campsite during their stay. You should bring the trailer back to the campsite.

Facilities:
Our campsite has water spigots, picnic tables, and two campfire pits. There are no grills. There are two port-o-johns on the site. The public campsites (an easy 5-minute walk) have showers and flush toilets. We have lots of space, both under the trees and in a field, for you to pitch your tent. We also have two beaches, so we'll use one for swimming and one for the boats.

There are no electric hookups at the group campsite. However, the public campsites nearby at Area 2 have electricity. Contact Kerr Lake State Recreation Area for info and reservations (252-438-7791).

What to bring:
Besides the obvious boating and camping gear, you'll need your mosquito repellent, sunscreen, a camp stove or grill for cooking, and chairs. Bring appropriate attire for the Medieval Feast. The more water toys the better. For your own protection, remember your water guns and sense of humor. We also have use of a field, so if anyone has a croquet set, badmitton, or volleyball equipment, bring it along (let Diane or Janice know, so we don't have doubles).

A Few Words of Caution:
There are no lifeguards, nor do we have crash boats. Activities are at your own risk. As with all Potomac River Albacore Fleet activities, you voluntarily assume sole responsibility for yourself, your guests/family, and your boat.

Pets are welcome but must be on a leash.

If you are caught with alcoholic beverages, there is a $200 fine.

Quiet time is after 10pm.

The gate is locked from 9:00pm to 8:00 am.

Fishing:
Kerr Lake has striped bass, largemouth bass, white perch, and crappie. You can buy a three-day fishing license at Merna's for $15. Children under 16 do not need a license when fishing with a licensed adult. A Virginia fishing license is also valid.

Other info:
Forget your red worms or live bait? Try Merna's Hibernia Shell in Townsville (7 miles) for those last minute supplies. The closest large supermarkets are in Henderson. There is also a hospital in Henderson, as well as several motels (Holiday Inn, Jameson Inn, Sleep Inn, Days Inn).

The Olde Place (252-438-4770) in Townsville is the closest restaurant.

Cell Phones: Diane got excellent reception with her Verizon service.

Kerr Lake State Recreation Area contacts:
kela@vance.net
Phone: 252-438-7791.